On the 24^th October BLOODSHOT DAWN performed their first UK headline date for their new tour at the Firehouse, Southampton, alongside SEPERVATION and KREMATED. The tour is in support of their new album "Demons" released on the 26^th October.

The Firehouse is the perfect place to host underground metal shows because of its small size and the edgy rock n roll style it has. This particular evening, around the small stage that's situated at the front of the pub was a motley crue of a crowd. Some of whom were wearing BLOODSHOT DAWN t-shirts, which is an indication of their growing fan base. Heavy Metal music was playing from the juke box and people were getting the drinks in, most likely the pub's signature drink, a 'dirty vimto.'

As the punters were settling into the evening they got to listen to BLOODSHOT DAWN's sound check, then there was a short break and the first band, KREMATED started their set. They had a really energetic thrash metal crossover sound with killer songs like 'Total Warfare' that stirred up the mosh pits. The show was also really entertaining because of their lively. KREMATED connected with the crowd really well, for instance, they would often ask if the audience questions which made them feel involved. They were also really humorous, for example. At one point during a song change they started singing the Muppets theme tune.

Soon after KREMATED exited the stage SEPERVATION started their set. It was from this point on that things started getting brutal regarding the music and the moshing action going on. At one point during their gig a pile of people landed on the stage. The look of the band also added to the cool vibe that you got from their live show. The lead singer reminds oneself of a young James Hetfield, what with the long blond hair, short cut 'Slayer' top and ripped jeans. Whilst SEPERVATION's may not be the most polished there's something about them that's exciting and definitely worth a watch if you get the chance to see them.
 

Finally, the main event BLOODSHOT DAWN appeared on stage. The anticipation in the air was tangible. When the first note streamed through the speakers you could see everyone in the crowd's neck drop and long hair started flying everywhere. This lasted throughout the entire gig. The audience had gotten a sneak peak of their awesome live show before, but to see everything put together was mesmerising. You could see the passion that they have for music by their movement on stage. They are so expressive in their style of playing and it really fits with their favoured genre, melodic death metal. Overall the stage set was really quite dramatic, made even more so by the graphic back drop.
 

This is not the first gig that I have been to at the Firehouse, but it was one of the best. Although BLOODSHOT DAWN was the main act, the gig was remembered as an event with the three acts together. They were all great and unique in their own way. It was also a pleasure to be so close to the bands when they were playing and to be able to talk to them afterwards like regular people. Especially in this day and age where a lot of rock stars don't make time and effort for the people who support them any more.